Syncopation: meaning, definitions and examples

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syncopation

[ˌsɪŋ.kəˈpeɪ.ʃən ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

music

Syncopation is a musical term referring to a disturbance or interruption of the regular flow of rhythm. It involves emphasizing a weak beat instead of a strong beat, creating a sense of offbeat or unexpected accents.

Synonyms

irregular rhythm, offbeat, rhythmic displacement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
syncopation	Often used in musical contexts to describe a rhythm that includes unexpected beats or accents. It is frequently associated with genres like jazz, funk, and reggae. The jazz band's syncopation made the performance lively. She loved the syncopation in that pianist's solo.
offbeat	Commonly used to describe music that emphasizes the weak or unaccented beats. It's also used metaphorically to describe something unconventional or quirky. The drummer's offbeat style gave the song a unique flavor. His offbeat sense of humor always made us laugh.
rhythmic displacement	A technical musical term used to describe the shifting of the expected pattern of beats. It is primarily discussed in music theory and analysis. The professor explained rhythmic displacement in the context of modern classical music. Rhythmic displacement can add complexity to a simple melody.
irregular rhythm	Describes any rhythm that doesn't follow a regular pattern, often found in avant-garde or experimental music. It can also appear in literature when describing patterns that defy regularity. The composer's use of irregular rhythm caught everyone off guard. The poem was written in an irregular rhythm, which added to its mystique.

Examples of usage

Jazz music often features syncopation, giving it a lively and dynamic feel.
In Latin music, syncopation is commonly used to add excitement and energy to the rhythm.
The syncopation in this piece really makes it stand out from other classical compositions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word 'syncopare', meaning to 'cut off' or 'shorten', referring to how rhythms can be shortened unexpectedly.
The term became prominent in music theory during the 19th century as composers began exploring complex rhythms.

Music Genres

Commonly used in jazz, where musicians often play off the beat to create a playful tension.
Found in styles like reggae and funk, making the music groove and inviting people to dance.

Cultural Impact

Syncopation in music has influenced various dance styles, prompting movements that are energetic and unpredictable.
Some of the most famous musicians, like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis, used syncopation to elevate their compositions.

Psychology of Music

Studies show that syncopated rhythms can stimulate positive emotional responses, making people feel more engaged with the music.
Unexpected beats may lead to increased levels of arousal, affecting how we enjoy and interact with music.

Literature and Arts

Syncopation isn’t just limited to music; it’s also a technique in poetry where the rhythm is disrupted, creating a unique flow.
In visual arts, the term can describe compositions that play with balance and imbalance, much like a syncopated rhythm.

Translations

Translations of the word "syncopation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 síncope

🇮🇳 सिंकॉपेशन

🇩🇪 Synkope

🇮🇩 sinkopasi

🇺🇦 синкопа

🇵🇱 synkopa

🇯🇵 シンコペーション

🇫🇷 syncope

🇪🇸 síncopa

🇹🇷 senkop

🇰🇷 당김음

🇸🇦 إغماء

🇨🇿 synkopa

🇸🇰 synkopa

🇨🇳 切分音

🇸🇮 sinkopa

🇮🇸 synkópa

🇰🇿 синкопа

🇬🇪 სინკოპა

🇦🇿 sinkopa

🇲🇽 síncopa

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,669 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
33666 mellowing
33667 padlocked
33668 solemnize
33669 syncopation
33670 dodo
33671 flurries
33672 xylophone
...